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chesspargeter's review against another edition
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In some ways, I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I'm all for vengeful, powerful, unforgiving female protagonists. Sereia's sharp edges are never blunted. She's always determined to get revenge, and I like that. Too often female protagonists are softened because society finds the above mentioned traits distateful in women. I like how the author captured that.
With that said, the plot itself is kind of flimsy. I predicted many of the reveals, though that may not be true for everyone. It's far more character driven than plot, and I wish the author spent as much time on the latter as the former. It's not unreadable though, just occasionally frustrating.
My biggest problem probably isn't something anyone else is concerned about. I'm a Greek myth and history nerd, and the treatment of magic, gods, and divine concepts in this book are very Christian. There's mentions of hell and heaven and saints, none of which would even have existed in a time period like this; nevermind that ancient Greek views of the afterlife and divine/blessed humans are very, very different from any of those. Even the modern idea of souls doesn't line up really. These moments pulled me sharply out of the story. However, I'm also aware not everyone is a nerd about this stuff like me, or would even care if they are. Imo it just shows a lack of research and willingness to truly portray this time period. But again, I'm aware that not everyone will notice or care.
Overall, a fun read. I liked the twist at the end, that was one I didn't predict. So give it a read if you want a vengeful, angry woman narrative. We need more in the world!
With that said, the plot itself is kind of flimsy. I predicted many of the reveals, though that may not be true for everyone. It's far more character driven than plot, and I wish the author spent as much time on the latter as the former. It's not unreadable though, just occasionally frustrating.
My biggest problem probably isn't something anyone else is concerned about. I'm a Greek myth and history nerd, and the treatment of magic, gods, and divine concepts in this book are very Christian. There's mentions of hell and heaven and saints, none of which would even have existed in a time period like this; nevermind that ancient Greek views of the afterlife and divine/blessed humans are very, very different from any of those. Even the modern idea of souls doesn't line up really. These moments pulled me sharply out of the story. However, I'm also aware not everyone is a nerd about this stuff like me, or would even care if they are. Imo it just shows a lack of research and willingness to truly portray this time period. But again, I'm aware that not everyone will notice or care.
Overall, a fun read. I liked the twist at the end, that was one I didn't predict. So give it a read if you want a vengeful, angry woman narrative. We need more in the world!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Death, and War
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